Arsenal have announced the arrival of Feyenoord’s youth sensation Salah-Eddine, who is commonly known as ‘Salah’.
Arsenal have shown a lot of ambition in the market when it comes to buying young players. And they seem to have found another gem in the shape of Salah-Eddine. The young midfielder has joined from Feyenoord on a free transfer, the club has confirmed.
Commonly known as ‘Salah’, the 17-year-old is a product of the Feyenoord youth academy. But, the temptation of playing for Arsenal got the better of him, it seems, convincing him to leave Rotterdam, although the youngster will not join the first-team.
Welcome to #ArsenalAcademy, @Salahouladd ? https://t.co/9b54QwIfvc
— Arsenal Academy (@ArsenalAcademy) August 22, 2020
Instead, the Dutchman will join up with the “Professional Development Squad” and has, in fact, started his training with the reserve side. He is also eyeing a chance to get some first-team minutes under his belt in the upcoming season, as per information from Daily Mail.
Salah would become the second highly talented teenager to join Arsenal this summer, after Tim Akinola, who also joined on a free transfer from Huddersfield Town. Meanwhile, the Gunners have are also set to sign Tottenham Hotspur starlet Jonathan Dinzeyi.
They are all believed to be a part of the club’s youth development program – one that has garnered a lot of attention following the arrival of Mikel Arteta.
It seems the Spaniard has realised the futility of spending big in the market and instead, he is keen on producing talents, who could make an impact in the first-team. In fact, Arsenal already have a bunch of young, academy players who are considered as crucial components in the senior side including Bukayo Saka and Reiss Nelson.
As far as Salah is concerned, he has already impressed the onlookers with his ability to create chances in the final third. What makes him such an appealing player for Arteta, however, is the fact that he is predominantly a central midfielder.
Arsenal’s shortcoming in the midfield unit has already been well-documented this summer, especially following the return of Dani Ceballos to Real Madrid after his loan spell came to an end, while Matteo Guendouzi has been linked with a move away from Emirates.
Although the north London giants are more than expected to sign a new midfielder before the end of the transfer window, Salah’s status as a central midfielder could potentially make him a wildcard option for Arteta. And given the Spaniard’s record in promoting youth players, it won’t be surprising to see the 17-year-old getting chances in the Arsenal first-team next season.
Given his last name and the name of the historical person, if he develops into a player who can truly dominate the midfield and dictate play, his nickname should be changed from “Salah” to “Salahdin”. (Think about it. Consult a history book if you must.)